5 Things to Watch as Giants Face Commanders in Week 7 of the 2023 NFL Season

The New York Giants find themselves at a challenging juncture in the 2023 NFL season, with a record of 1-5. In Week 7, they face the Washington Commanders, who are expected to be a formidable opponent. As we gear up for this exciting matchup, here are five key factors to keep an eye on.

1. New York’s Offensive Line: A Turning Point?

Despite facing numerous challenges, the Giants’ offensive line has shown surprising resilience in recent games. In their last outing against the Buffalo Bills, the line held its own, even after losing starter Joshua Ezeudu to injury. Justin Pugh, who was on the bench just a few weeks ago, stepped up admirably, protecting quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s blindside.

The Giants’ offensive line allowed only one sack in the last three quarters and managed an impressive 6.5 yards per carry in the second half. While it seemed like they were merely treading water, this performance might signal a turning point for the unit, especially with Andrew Thomas’s return on the horizon.

2. Wan’Dale Robinson’s Consistency

Wan’Dale Robinson, after missing the first two games of the season, has become a crucial component of the Giants’ offense. With 22 receptions in the past four games, including a season-high eight against the Bills, Robinson has proven his worth. Although he’s averaging 6.4 yards per catch, his contributions have been vital, accounting for 10 first downs during this stretch.

Robinson’s missed practice session due to “knee management” raises questions about his durability, but the Giants are keen on keeping this injury-prone player in the lineup to maintain his production.

3. Sacking Sam Howell

Sam Howell, the Washington Commanders’ quarterback, has had a turbulent season, enduring 34 sacks in the first six games. His tendency to hold onto the ball for extended periods has made him a target for opposing defenses.

The Giants, on the other hand, are struggling in the sack department, ranking last in the league with only five sacks. Of these, four have come from Kayvon Thibodeaux, who’s looking to increase his count in the upcoming game. However, the Giants need more players to step up and contribute to their sack total.

4. Dialing Up Big Plays

The Giants have struggled to create explosive plays on offense this season. In contrast, the Washington Commanders have shown vulnerability in giving up touchdowns of 50 yards or more in the first six games.

Rookie Jalin Hyatt, with a 35-yard catch this season, is the only Giants player who has made significant downfield contributions. However, the potential for big plays lies with players like Darius Slayton and Darren Waller. They can exploit the Commanders’ weaknesses and add some much-needed chunk plays to the Giants’ playbook.

5. Commanders: Playoff Contenders or Underestimated?

The Washington Commanders enter the game with a 3-3 record, marked by three close wins and a single overtime loss to the Eagles. Their performance suggests that they could be playoff contenders, but there’s also the possibility that they’ve been underestimated by some of their opponents.

This portion of the Giants’ schedule was expected to be more manageable, with hopes of remaining competitive through a challenging start. However, both the Commanders and the Jets have exceeded expectations this year. As a result, it may be a formidable task for the Giants to secure additional wins before their Week 10 rematch against Dallas.

In conclusion, the Week 7 matchup between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders holds great significance for both teams. New York is looking to bounce back from a challenging start to the season, and the Commanders aim to establish themselves as true contenders. As these two teams face off, the dynamics of the game will undoubtedly revolve around the offensive line, Wan’Dale Robinson’s contributions, e in the trenches, the quest for big plays, and the Commanders’ potential as postseason contenders.

Stay tuned for an exciting game as we witness these storylines unfold on the field.